“Extensive Networks, Covert Operations, and Radicalized Enclaves,” Le Figaro reported this week, introducing “the disturbing report on the Muslim Brotherhood’s push to impose Sharia Law in France.” In a 73-page report compiled by France’s intelligence services, the study that was presented to Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau offers a stark portrait of a nation being eroded from within. The declassified version, published by Le Figaro, is nothing short of explosive.
La fédération des musulmans de France, suite au rapport sur l'entrisme et les réseaux d'influence des Frères musulmans, dénonce des accusations infondées et met en garde contre des amalgames dangereux : drôle de soutien à la lutte contre le fléau intégriste de l'entrisme ! pic.twitter.com/NYk4EYHMOU
— Gilbert Collard (@GilbertCollard) May 21, 2025
“The reality of this threat, even if it is long-term and does not involve violent action, poses a risk of damage to the fabric of society and republican institutions … and, more broadly, to national cohesion,” says the report, which was prepared by two senior civil servants, and examined by France’s Defense Council.
The report highlights the grassroots spread of Islamism, particularly at the municipal level, warning that this trend poses a “short- to medium-level threat.”
In France, the movement operates on a well-established foundation, but the authors emphasize that political Islamism is expanding chiefly through local channels. They argue that only sustained and decisive efforts on the ground can counter this growing influence.
Describing the Brotherhood’s agenda as “subversive,” the report notes that it seeks to incrementally alter local and national regulations—especially those related to secularism and gender equality.
This phenomenon, referred to as “municipal Islamism,” threatens to impact the public domain and local governance by fostering increasingly widespread Islamist networks.
France and Germany host the largest Muslim populations within the European Union.
The report was ordered the day after a worshipper was murdered in a mosque in La Grand-Combe (Gard) last April, Prime Minister Bayrou condemned the act as an “Islamophobic ignominy” during a televised appearance. Speaking on Le Figaro TV, Interior Minister Retailleau challenged the use of the term “Islamophobia.”
In the coming days, Retailleau announced he would present a report on the Muslim Brotherhood’s “entryism” into French society. He claimed the report would expose the Brotherhood’s “anti-republican” and “subversive” agenda.
One notable case involves the Averroès High School in the city of Lille, whose state contract was revoked by the local prefect on December 7, 2023, over alleged ties to the Muslim Brotherhood. However, on April 23, the Lille administrative court overturned the decision. “Knowing the concerns raised about this school, I’m stunned,” said Retailleau.
He warned that the Muslim Brotherhood may attempt to exploit upcoming elections to promote its agenda and candidates. “We are currently managing to contain their infiltration, but next year there’s a risk they’ll try to get on municipal lists with this message: ‘If you reject us, you lose votes.’”
The report warns that this form of “municipal Islamism” poses a threat to the public sphere and local governance, citing “the growing emergence of Islamist ecosystems” as a key concern.
Rapport sur les Frères musulmans en France: 139 lieux de cultes, 280 associations https://t.co/z13GdepwgB @publicsenat pic.twitter.com/Jsl9n8WxvG
— L'important (@Limportant_fr) May 21, 2025
On Wednesday, President Emmanuel Macron instructed the government to draft new proposals in response to the “seriousness of the facts” outlined in the report, the Élysée Palace announced.
“Given the significance of the issue and the gravity of the findings, the President has asked the government to prepare new measures, which will be reviewed at an upcoming Defense Council meeting in early June,” the statement said.
